Leonard Willey

He was always "Mr. Willey" to me as he was a good friend of my Dad´s. Mr. Willey always seemed to be in good cheer & good humor. He always made those around him smile, laugh or more often than not, both. He seemed to be bigger than life & the world seems somewhat inconceivable without him in it.

My favorite captain. I´ll miss you Len.

Len has always been my favorite and best friend at American Airlines. Over 40 years ago while in training as a new Flight Engineer on the DC-10, I was fortunate enough to have been assigned to observe my first flight on Len's crew. As he masterfully flew this massive jet on departure he turned to me and said "Don't tell everybody how easy this is".....
That was the moment my love story of Len Willey began. Everyone loved Len, and all loved to be on his crew. He was always kind, caring, generous, and his humor always made your day brighter. Len is a legend among the pilots at American, and he will always be remembered.
Please accept my sincere condolences.

Rest in peace Len. I had the pleasure of flying the DC-10 with Len in my early years at American Airlines over 36 years ago. He was one of those captains that I always remembered and aspired to be like when I would eventually be a captain. He was a consummate professional with a great sense of humor. My condolences to Len´s family and friends.

One of the most entertaining captains to fly with. I always looked forward to a month with Len.

Len was a classmate at UNH ("55) and was the ultimate in loyalty, friendship and humor. He was a longtime supporter of the basketball program and had UNH at heart. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to Penny and the family and we know that he is at peace now and entertaining the loved ones in heaven. Our Love, Chan and Ann Sanborn

Fond memories of flying the dc10 with him.

Len, you will be missed so much. As I sit here in tears thinking about you, I remember all of our laughs while working at hannaford together. You supported me throughout my years of schooling becoming a firefighter/emt and I could never be more thankful to have had the time I spent with you. You taught me so much in the small period of time we worked together and I have never forgotten all the words of encouragement you gave me.


I will always remember you Len!

One of the nice things about growing up in the 70s and 80s was if you loved to play basketball you had to play against older men. That took place for me at the Ridgefield Boy's and Girl's Club on Governor Street every Saturday morning at 10am. This is where I first met Mr. Willey. He routinely was in amongst a group of older men with knee wraps, hair on their triceps and cold beer waiting in a cooler. They let me in and I will never forget it. Later on when I signed with UNH I learned Len had played there and it continued a friendship for over 40 years. All from the wooden bench at the Boy's Club on Governor Street! I actually remember one time shooting hoops in that gym late one night and Len was on a super tall ladder painting the cement walls of the gym. Just a volunteer with a mortgage to pay and his own kids to worry about. He likely looked more in control flying a American Airlines jet liner at 10,000 feet than he did on that ladder! Penny, your love of a lifetime you met at UNH ended up becoming a life long friend of mine and I thank you and your 3 kids for sharing him with me. I'll miss him.

Tommy MacDonald
RHS - 1989
UNH - 1994
FBI Agent - 2000-2021
RBC - Lifetime

Len was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. From the first day I met him he was always so kind and considerate. He loved to tell funny stories and always made me feel at home. I can almost hear him laugh with that deep voice of his! Rest in peace Len . My blessings to Linda and Mike - Be Strong!

So many great memories growing up with all the Willeys in Mimosa. Mr. Willey had such a big heart he selflessly shared with all the neighborhood kids. He was a competitive basketball player known for effectively using his size to box out, and his indefensible sky hook.

'Condolences to all for such a deep emptiness within the Family...

Ernest A

I was lucky enough to work with Len for 7 years. He´s a man I´ll never, ever forget. He was good to everyone! I´ve had so many customers ask about Len. Customers would wait in his line to say hello and chat with him. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. There wasn´t a time I walked a way from a conversation with Len without a smile. He loved to smile and make those around him smile. I hope you up there sitting with a scotch in your hand.

Rest in peace Len. Wow what a human you were. A great co worker and wonderful man. Thank you for the laughs and conversations and stories. You will always be missed.

Len always made it a point to ask how my school year was going and about my daughter. We both had the honor to work with him at hannys. He was always smiling and never complained. He will be greatly missed.

Rest In Peace, Len. One of the very nicest guys. Lots of good memories with this guy. Love and hugs to your family.
Kathy and Bugs

Please let us at the Exeter Hannaford of any celebration in Len's honor

My heart is breaking. I hired Len for Hannaford 9 years ago. It was done site unseen and when I finally met him, I knew we would be quick friends. Every time I have a Scotch I'll tip my glass to him. He was a treasure on the front end and customers would wait in his line just so they'd have a chance to talk to him. He will be missed greatly. RIP MY FRIEND

I have heard so many proud stories of inspiration and motivation from Hunter, Jan and Kenny. While I haven't met you. You have left many memories in their hearts. To the family rest assured he is pain free and at peace. Remember he lives on in the memories he created while alive keep his memories alive by making your own. Hugs to all of you.

I've heard many great stories of pride about your life, influence and impressions you made on Hunter, Kenny, and Jan. I'm proud to have met them and to call them my friends. Prayers for your family may they realize that your pain free and at peace.

All the time when I was younger he would put a fist on my head then hit it with his other hand and say an egg broke on my head he always made me laugh